THE HEARTS WE MEND - Kathryn Springer - One Free Book

Welcome back, Kathryn. Why do you write the kind of books you do? 

I write contemporary inspirational romance because I’m a huge fan of new beginnings and happy endings. How does the inspirational part fit in? God invited me to be part of His story so I can’t leave Him out of the ones I write!

I love that thought. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day of your life?

Oh, wow. It’s impossible to choose only one! As a writer, it was opening my email one morning and finding out The Soldier’s Newfound Family made the USA Today Bestseller list. As a wife and mom with grown children who are scattered across the United States, I would have to say it’s any time our entire family is gathered together under the same roof.

How has being published changed your life?

Becoming a published author has definitely forced me to become more disciplined. Sometimes I have to say “no” to things—good things—because I’m on a deadline. It’s also nudged me out of my comfort zone. I didn’t realize that the people who read my books would occasionally invite me to talk about them! Like a lot of writers, I’m an introvert, so accepting speaking engagements used to be a little terrifying (okay, it’s STILL a little terrifying) but I’ve discovered it’s also a lot of fun.

What are you reading right now?

Right now I’m halfway through Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey and my non-fiction read is The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsey.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m working on the second book in my Castle Falls series for Love Inspired. It’s about three brothers who run an outfitter business in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

What would be your dream vacation?

Remember, you’re asking someone who lives in northern Wisconsin! My dream vacation would have palm trees and sunshine and I wouldn’t have to put on a coat, boots, and mittens before I step outside the door.

How do you choose the settings for your books?

I took to heart the advice every aspiring writer hears at some point along the journey. Write what you know. Most of my books are set in small, Midwestern towns because that’s my world. I can write about the changing seasons and quirky things like “Take Your Tractor to School” Day because I’ve actually witnessed them. In a way, the town becomes almost like another character in the story. . .one I hope that readers will fall in love with, too.   

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Ann Voskamp, the author of One Thousand Gifts. Her book changed the way I think about grace and suffering and thanksgiving and how those things link together in a believer’s life.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

A few years ago, I discovered container gardening. We started out with a big garden but it started to produce more guilt than, um, produce (refer to Question 3, “How has being published changed your life!”) so I decided to scale back. Container gardening is great because it’s low maintenance. I can pull weeds while I talk to my kids on the phoneJ

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

I love to write and I know God called me to write, but I still struggle with maintaining balance. There are choices I have to make and I’m constantly asking God for wisdom and guidance because I never want writing to become an idol in my life.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

You can dream about writing, talk about writing, and take online classes to learn the craft of writing but at some point, you have to sit down and WRITE. And even though you’re gifted, called, passionate, etc. about your story doesn’t mean there won’t be days when you’re tempted to quit. Don’t. Because while you’re working on plot and characterization and conflict, you discover that God is working in you and through you and you want to show up for that.

I would also encourage beginning authors to join an organization like ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). They have tons of resources and the support system and opportunities are amazing. Not to mention that writing can be very isolating and it’s comforting to know there are other weird people out there just like you.

Tell us about the featured book.

After The Dandelion Field came out last year, I got the impression that readers had mixed feelings about Evie Bennett so I decided it was only fair to tell her story, too. Here’s the blurb!

Widowed at the age of twenty-five when her firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, Evie Bennett has spent the last thirteen years raising their son, Cody, in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. As the women’s ministry director of her church, Evie encourages women to boldly pursue God’s plan for their future while she is content with her memories of the past. But Evie’s well-ordered life begins to change when she meets Jack Vale.

As Evie gets drawn into Jack’s world—a world that isn’t as safe and predictable as the one she’s worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems in the community. . .but will Evie open her heart to love again? Because even though Jack isn’t anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“You’re up next, Evie! Then you can check karaoke off your list.”

Evie Bennett had a lot of lists. Karaoke wasn’t on any of them. Neither were bachelorette parties, and yet here she was, watching Raine and Ginevieve Lightly strut around the living room of their trailer, belting out the lyrics to Taylor Swift’s

“Shake it Off.”

Gin had shown up at the door that morning while Evie was bundling Jordan almonds and mints into little bags made of cream-colored tulle. The firefighters at Second Street Station had decided to host an informal get-together for Cody, so Gin thought it would be nice if she and Evie did something special for the bride-to-be too.

Evie had hesitated, wondering how she could possibly squeeze one more thing into a day already packed with last-minute wedding details.

“What did you have in mind?” she’d asked cautiously.

“Oh, the usual.” Gin shrugged. “Texas Hold ’Em. Jell-O shots.”

Five months ago, Evie might have believed her.

Raine bounded over to the karaoke machine, her loose-fitting sundress no longer able to disguise the rounded curve of her belly. “Eighties or golden oldies?” She shot a mischievous grin over her shoulder. “Wait, isn’t that the same thing?”

It was one of those moments. When Evie understood why Cody, her sensitive, serious son, had proposed to this girl.

She just wished they were. . .older.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to hear from my readers! You can visit my website at www.kathrynspringer.com  (and sign up for my newsletter while you’re there!) or find me on Facebook at kathrynspringerauthor.

Thank you, Kathryn, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

The Hearts We Mend - Christianbook.com
The Hearts We Mend (A Banister Falls Novel) - Amazon
The Hearts We Mend (A Banister Falls Novel) - Kindle

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